336 FROM THE NIGER TO THE NILE 



the symptoms entirely disappeared. Jose had already been 

 cured by it. It is a wonderfully good medicine, which all 

 travellers should see that they take with them. 



No sooner had I recovered than another thing befell. 

 While out collecting I was in some long grass watching a 

 bird ; I put my left hand down to my side for a moment, 

 when I received a most painful shock as if a red-hot needle 

 had been thrust into my little finger, which was streaming 

 with blood. I sucked it at once and saw clearly the two 

 fang-marks of the snake that had bitten me, which my boy 

 said was a green grass-snake. I must say I spent a few un- 

 comfortable minutes waiting to see what would happen, but 

 no ill-effects followed, for luckily it was not a poisonous snake. 



A few days after this, Quasso, who had been^most useful 

 of late in helping me skin the birds, complained of feeling ill, 

 saying that his " strong go finish." He had no pain, but his 

 face, legs and feet were much swollen ; a dose of calomel and 

 a tonic of quinine was all that I could give him. 



By September 13 I had fired my last cartridge, and left 

 for N'soro with a capital collection of thirty-four birds and 

 ten mammals. 



On my arrival I found that Jose had not yet returned from 

 Niangara. A few days later, however, he came in and 

 reported all well. He had had tremendous difficulties 

 in the carrying of the boat-sections, for the road was very 

 bad, in many places under water, while in others he had to 

 cut his way. He brought me a letter from Commandant 

 Sarolea, thanking me for sending Jose with the boat, which 

 he added was in good condition. This was satisfactory, 

 since I had my doubts as to how it would turn out. 



